Extractor control



1,634,452 y 1927- E. J. CARROLL EXTRACTOR CONTROL Filed July 22. 1921 5' Sheets-Sheet l July 5, 1927. 1,634,452

E. J. CARROLL EXTRACTOR CONTROL Filed July22. 1921 5Shoots-Sheet 2 W glfVVL'NTOR TM W Ju y 1927- E. J. CARROLL EXTRACTOR CUNTROL Filed July 22. 1921 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 IN VENTOR WTW ATTYJ 1927- E. J. CARROLL EXTRACTOR CONTROL Filed July 22. 1921 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 1 I l E .IJVVEJVZ'OR 36 W M 1,634 452 July 1927' E. J. CARROLL sx'rmcwon comm Filed Julyzz. 1921 salmon-Shut 5 ATTFJ 40 shown in Fig. 2;

Patented July 5, 1927.

PATENT OFFICE.

EMIIJ J. CARROLL, OF CINCINNATI, OHIO,

ASSIGNOB TO THE AMERICAN LAUNDRY MACHINERY COMPANY, OF CINCINNATI, OHIO, A CORPORATION 01' OHIO.

nxrnao'ron. com'non Application mainl 22,

This invention relates to centrifugal extractors such as are used for extracting water or moisture from clothing, textile fabrics, or for various similar uses in laundries, dry cleaning establishments, textile mills or the like. The invention has to do with the controlling devices, its object being to provide an improved extractor which is electrically driven and which may be braked by reverse phase or dynamic braking effects;

to provide safety devices for preventing access to the rotating basket when the machine is running; to automaticallyv stop the machine at the conclusion of adefinite period of time, and to inter-relate or inter-connect the safety devices and control circuits so that the extractor will be largely, if not wholly automatic in operation. Another object of the invention is to provide an ex tractor having a safety cover and control devices and circuits arranged whereby said cover is released when the machine is at rest, whereby the closing of said cover starts the machine and locks the cover closed, in which the machine is automatically electrically braked after the conclusion of a definite period of time and finally wherein the mechanism releases and automatically opens the safety cover.

Further objects'of the invention are in part obvious and in part will appear more in detail hereinafter.

In the drawings, Fig. 1 represents a front elevation of one form .of structure embodying the invention, the safety cover being shown in closed position; Fig. 2 is a front elevation on a larger scale, showing the cover controlled and controlling devices; Fig. 3 is a detail lan view of the device as ig. 4 is an end view of the cover locking mechanism; Fig. 5 is a sectional elevation on the line 5-5, Fig. 2; Fig. 6 is a detail elevation of the upper end portion of the extractor spindle and illustrating the driving connection to the timing mechanism; Fig. 7 is a detail plan view of the timing device; Fig. 8 is a detail end view on a larger scale of the timing contacts; Fig. 9 is a detail sectional view on the line 99, Fig. 6, illustrating a safety finger; and Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic view illustrating theelectrically controlled devices and circuits.

The invention may be applied to any form 1921. Serial No. 486,717.

of electrically driven extractor. The drawings show for this purpose an extractor comprising a stationary outer frame 1 in which 18 suspended for roper oscillating movement in any direction a hollow curb or casing 2 carried b the swinging curb frame 3. In said curb rame is suitably journalled the extractor spindle 4 provided within the curb with the usual basket to receive the material to be extracted, which basket has a perforated or foraminous outer wall 5. The basket is rotated by an electric motor which is directly connected to said spindle. As illustrated, the inotor comprises a field frame or stator 6 carried by a cross bar or support 7 of the curb frame, and the field of which co-operates with an armature or rotor 8 attached to the spindle. Both the field frame or stator and armature or rotor of the motor swing with the oscillatin curb frame 3, so that the shocks and jars o unbalanced loads are not communicated to the motor and the drive is by" true torque around the axis of the basket spindle with the motor clearance maintained constant.

Access to the opening through the top of the curb to the basket is permitted or prevented by a movable cover 10 which lies at the front of the machine and is in the form of a sheet metal gate having a conveniently located handle for its manipulation, as shown in Fig. 1. This cover or gate has ver tical movement In its lowest position, shown in Fig. 1, it prevents the operator from aining access to the rotating basket, while in its upper position such access is permitted. The cover is supported: by chains or cables 11 connected to laterally extending arms 12 and which cables pass over idle pulleys 13 and are each provided with ries the pivoted latch 17, Figs. 2 and 4, the vertical arm of which is of book form and adapted to latch over an extended portion of one of the door arms 12, the lower edge of said arm being beveled, as at 18, so that it will pass the latch in its downward motion and readily reach the locking position shown in Fig. 4. The horizontal arm of the latch 17 is pivotally connected to the core 19 of a solenoid 20 and the arts are normally held in the locking position shown in Fig. 4 by a light compression spring 21. When said solenoid is energized its core moves downwardly and turns the latch 17 until the cover is released, whereupon said cover immediately rises automatically to its open or upper position.

22 represents any suitable form of switch for closing the starting circuit, the details of said switch being immaterial. The switch parts are actuated by depression of a button 23 actuated by a cam arm 24 on a shaft 25 rovided with another arm 26 lying beneat the door arm 12. Then the not is moved toits lower position, arm 12 depresses lever 26 and closes the starting switch.

The apparatus is also provided with automatic timing mechanism capable of automatically stopping the machine after the conclusion of a reasonably definite period of time. For this urpose the upper end of the basket spindle as secured thereto a bevel gear 30 adapted to drive a bevel gear 31 on a shaft 32 which is connected by any suitable universal or flexible joint 33 to drive a shaft 34:, Fi 7, which through suitable gearing, mar ed generally 35, rotates the timing drum 36. The timing gears 35 are suitab y interchangeable and adjustable so as to produce any desired amount of rotation 0 the drum 36 for a given number of revolutions of the basket spindle. In other words, by proper selection and adjustment of the timing gears the timing drum may be made to turn through one complete revolution in approximately five, ten, fifteen or twenty minutes or any other period as desired. The timing drum comprises an insulated body member 37 carrying a periphorally extending conducting segment 38 in which is a longitudinally extending insuiated segment 39. Co-operating with said drum are two brushes 40 the contact ends of which lie opposite each other so that both will reach the insulated or blank segment 39 at the same time and thereby open the control circuit, as will appear hereafter.

The electric motor may be either an A. C. or a D. C motor. If the motor is of the D. C. type the basket spindle will be braked by dynamic braking effect. For purposes of illustration the drawings show a three phase A. C. motor, and the braking effect is secured by reversing two of the service leads.

Therefore, suitable means is provided for preventing reversal of the motor by continuance of the supply of current thereto after the spindle has come to rest. For this purpose the spindle carries a friction linger ll.

Fig. 9, mounted on a ring 41 held frictionally by the spring 41 on a spindle, so that said linger tends to always move or turn in the direction of rotation of said spindle. When the basket rotates in the normal or driving direction this finger is moved into engagement with a contact 42 and thereby completes a control circuit, but as soon as the spindle begins torotate in the opposite direction linger 41 moves away from the contact 42 to a fixed insulated stop -12 and thereby opens the control circuit and cuts off the flow of current to the main circuits of the motor so that said motor cannot be driven in the reverse direction.

Fig. 10 representsthe control devices and electric circuits for the extractor. These de vices and circuits are as follows: 50, 51, 52, and 53 represent respectively the forward relay, the reverse relay, forward switch and reverse switch. The coil of the forward re lay actuates normally closed contacts 5st and normally open contacts 55. The reverse relay 51 aetuates the normally closed con tacts 56 and normally open contacts 57. The forward switch 52 actuates two sets oi normally open contacts 58 and a switch arm 59 which co-operates with normally closed contacts 60 and normally open contacts 61. The reverse switch 53 actuates two sets of normall open contacts 62 and also actuates a switc arm 63 which co-operates with normally open contacts 64 and normally closed contacts 64. 65 represents the main switch which controls the flow of current to the motor M and also the flow of current through the various control circuits. 22 on the diagram is the starting switch illustrated in Fi 5 and actuated by closing of the safety dbor or cover, while 20 is the solenoid which actuates and releases the latch, and 41 indicates the friction finger for preventing motor reversal. 66 is the stop button and 67 and 68 are respectively a white or stop light and a red or running light.

The operation is as follows: Let us assume that the extractor basket is at rest with the door open. In this position of the'parts there is one live circuit from the point 69 of the main switch, which will be assumed to be positive, by way of wire 70 through the normally closed contacts 54 and white stop light 67 and back by way of wire 71 to the point 72, which will be assumed to be negative. The illumination of this white light indicates to the observer that the machine is idle and directs him to empty and reload the basket and start it through another cycle. When the machine is reloaded llu the cover or gate is pulled down to its lowest position, in which it is automatically locked by the latch 17. The door arm 12 also closes the switch 22 thereby establishing a circuit as follows: From 69 through wire 73 and switch 22, stop button 66, contacts 56, coil 52, contacts 643.. and back by Way of Wire 74 to negative. The effect of this circuit is to energize the coil of the forward switch 52, thereby closing the conas the forward switch closes another .cir

cuit is established as follows: From 69 through wire 73, switch 22, contact 7 5, Wire 76, contacts 61, wire 77, point 78, forward relay 50 to wire 74 and then to negative. Energization of the forward relay 50 opens contacts 54 and cuts out the stop light 67. At the same time it closes contacts 55, thereby establishing a direct connection from sitive point 69 through 22, 75, 81, wire 79 contacts 55, forward relay 50, wire 74 to negative. Another circuit is established from a point 78 by way of wire 80, running light 68, wire 71 to negative. The running light is illuminated, indicating that the basket is turning. In the running position the safety cover is locked in its lower position by the latch 17 and cannot be released unless and until the solenoid 20 is energized. 1

The basket runs in the forward direction, thereby turning the friction finger 41 into engagement with its stop 42, and also drives the timing mechanism until either the stop button 66 is manually actuated, as for inspection purposes, or the timing mechanism completes its 0 eration and the contacts 40 thereof reach t e blank segment 39. This switch 39, 40 is in the same circuit as the stop button 66 and operates in the same manner. If the timing switch 0 ens the circuit, the coasting of the basket efore it comes to rest is sufficient to carry the contacts 40 onto the live segment so that the parts will be in condition for another operation.

When either the stop button 66 or the timing switch 39, 40 is opened the coil 52 is deenergized, whereupon the forward switch contacts 58 are opened and the switch arm 59 moves from contacts 61 to contacts 60 establishing a circuit as follows: From 6.9 by way of wire 73, switch 22, point 75, point 81 wire 79, contacts 55, point 78, wire 77, left contact 61, contacts 60, reverse switch 53, friction finger 41, and wire 71 to negative. This c rcuit includes the reverse. switch 53 and friction finger 41. Its effect is to close contacts 62 and reverse two of the main circuits through the motor, thereby producing a braking effect. Actuation of coil 53 opens contacts 64 and closes contacts 64, but no circuit is et established through the solenoid 20. losing of the switch 64 establishes a circuit through the reverse relay 51 as follows: from the point 81, to which current comes by way of wire 76, through wire 82, contacts 64, wire 83,.

contact 57, wire 84, reverse relay 51, wire 74 to negative. Actuation of the reverse relay 51 opens contacts 56 and closes contacts 57 so that the reverse relay coil 51 is maintained energized by current coming from the point 81 by way of wire 85, contacts 57 and wire 84. When the friction finger 41 opens, the reverse switch 53 is de-ener ized, which opens contacts 62 and cuts 0 the main circuit to the motor. Contacts 64 are also closed and contacts 64 are opened. Closing of contacts 64 completes the circuit through the trip solenoid 20 as follows: From 69 through wire 73, switch 22, point 75, wire 76, point 81, wire 85, contacts 57, wire 83, contact 64, wire 86, trip solenoid 20, contacts 64, and wire 74 to negative. Energization of the trip-solenoid 20 turns the latch 17 and releases the door, which is raised by its counterweights. When the door rises the door switch 22 opens, which de-energizes the solenoid 20 and allows the latch to return to normal position. At the same time the sto light 67 is again illumi-.

nated, the parts ing then ready for another cycle of operations.

What I claim is:

1. A centrifugal extractor, comprising a rotatable basket, a safety cover therefor, power means for rotating said basket, means controlled by said cover for rendering said power means effective or ineffective upon said basket, latching means for said cover, and timing means for effecting operation of said latching means at the conclusionof the extracting period.

2. A centrifugal extractor, comprising a rotatable basket, a safety cover therefor, an electric motor for rotating said basket, circuit connections for said motor controlled by said cover, a latch for said cover, and timing means for eifectin operation of said latch at the conclusion 0- the extracting operation.

3. A centrifugal extractor, comprising a rotatable basket, a safety cover therefor, a motor for rotating said basket, means whereby closing movement of said cover causes completion of an .operatin circuit to said motor, and timing means or changing the ill circuit connections to said motor to produce a braking effect.

4. A centrifugal extractor, comprising a rotatable basket, a safety cover therefor, a motor for rotating said basket, means whereby closing movement of said cover controls operation of said motor, timing means for changing the circuit connections to said motor to produce a braking effect, and means whereby the flow of current to said motor is cut off when the direction ofrotation of said spindle reverses.

5. A centrifugal extractor, comprising a rotatable basket, a safety cover therefor having a normal tendency to open, power means for rotating said basket, means controlled by said cover for rendering said power means effective or ineffective upon said basket, latching means for holding said cover closed, and timing means for actuating said latching means at the conclusion of the extracting period.

6. A centrifugal extractor, comprising a rotatable basket, a safety cover therefor, cover opening moans, power means for rotating said basket, and timing means where by said cover is automatically opened at the conclusion of the extracting period.

7. A centrifugal extractor, comprising a rotatable basket, a safety cover therefor having a normal tendency to open, power means for rotating said basket, means controlled by said cover for rendering said power means effective or ineffective upon said basket, means for holding said cover in closed position, and means for antomatically releasing said cover.

8. A centrifugal extractor, comprising a rotatable basket, a safety cover therefor having a normal tendency to open, power means for rotating said basket, means controlled by said cover for rendering said power means effective or ineffective upon said basket, means for latching said cover in closed posi tlon, and means for actuating said latching means to release the cover at the conclusion of the extracting period.

9. A centrifugal extractor, comprising a rotatable basket, :1 safety cover therefor having a normal tendency to open, power means for rotating said basket, means controlled by said cover for rendering said power means effective or ineffective upon said basket, means for latching said cover in closed position, and automatic controlling means for said latching means.

10. A centrifugal extractor, comprising a rotatable basket, :1 safety cover therefor, means normally tending to open said cover, power means for rotating said basket, means controlled by said cover for starting said power means, means for holding said cover in closed position, means adapted to retard rotation of said basket, and means adapted to automatically release said holding means and thereby subject the cover to the efiect of its opening means after said basket retarding means becomes effective.

11. A centrifugal extractor, comprisin a rotatable basket, power means for rotating said basket, means for stoppin rotation of said basket, timing means for imtiating operation of said basket stopping means, and operating means for said timing means arranged to reset the same during the stopping operation.

12. A centrifugal extractor, comprising a rotatable basket, power means for rotating said basket, means for stopping rotation of said basket, timing means for initiating operation of said basket stopping means, and operating -means for said timing means whereby the same is reset by the continued rotation of the basket during the stopping operation.

13. A centrifugal extractor, comprising a rotatable basket, a safety cover therefor having a normal tendency to open, power means for rotating said basket, means for stop ing rotation of the basket, means for late ing said cover in closed osition, and means whereby stopping of t e basket effects release of said latching means.

14. A centrifugal extractor, comprisin a rotatable basket, a safety cover there or, power means for rotating said basket, means controlled by said cover for rendering said power means efilective or inefl'ective upon said basket, latching means for said cover, timing means for initiating operation of said latching means at the conclusion of the extracting period, and additional means for causing actuation of said latching means at any time.

15. A centrifugal extractor, comprising a rotatable basket spindle, an electric motor having a rotating part attached to said spindle, and automatic timing and brake means actuated by rotation of said spindle and effective upon the circuit connections to said motor at the end of the extracting period to retard spindle rotation.

16. A centrifugal extractor, comprising a rotatable basket, motor means for drivmg said basket, 21 cover for said basket having a normal tendency to open, means controlled by said cover for causing said motor to retate said basket for the extracting operation, and means for automatically stopping said basket at the end of a predetermined extracting period and opening said cover with all parts ready for the next operation.

17. A centrifugal extractor, comprising a rotatable basket, a safety cover therefor having a normal tendency to open, means controlled by closing movement of said cover for automatically maintaining said cover closed and driving said basket for the extracting operation, and timin means adapted at the conclusion of a pre etermined extracting period to automatically retard rotation of the basket to a safe speed, to release said cover to the effect of its normal tendency to open, and to reset itself for the next 0 eration.

18. centrifugal extractor, comprising a rotatable basket, a safety cover therefor having a normal open position, in combination with basket driving and control means including means for starting the basket rendered efiective by closing the cover, and means for stopping the basket after a predetermined period and moving the cover to its open position ready for the next operation.

19. A centrifugal extractor, comprising a rotatable basket, a safety cover therefor having a normal open position, in combination with basket driving and control means including means for starting the basket rendered effective by closing the cover, means for stopping the basket after a predetermined period and movin the cover to its open position ready for t e next operation, and additional means for roducing operation at any time during said period of said basket stoppin and cover opening means.

20. A centri ugal extractor; comprisi a rotatable basket, a guard therefor having open and closed positions, means rendered effective when said ard is in closed position for maintaining it in said position and driving said basket, and means adapted at the conclusion of the extracting period to first retard rotation of the basket to a safe speed and then release said maintaining means and cause the guard to move to open position.

In testimony whereof I hereby afix my signature.

EMIL J. CARROLL.

ing a normal above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 4,

tracting period to automatically retard ro tation of the basket to a safe speed, to release said cover to the effect of its normal tendency to open, and to reset itself for the next 0 oration.

18. centrifugal extractor, rotatable basket, a safety cover therefor havopen position, in combination with basket drlving and control means including means for starting the basket rendered eifective by closing the cover, and means for stopping the basket after a predetermined period and moving the cover to its open position ready for the next operation.

19. A centrifugal extractor, rotatable basket, a safety cover therefor having a normal 0 en pos1tion, in combination with basket dnving and control means including means for starting the basket rendered efieetive by closing the cover, means mined period and movingl open position ready for t and additional means comprising a 20. A centrifugal extractor, comprising rotatable basket, a open and closed positions, effective when said guard is in closed lion and driving said basket, and mea to a safe speed and then release said mai taming means to open position.

comprising a signature.

EMIL J. CARROLL.

, CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent No. 1,634,452. Granted July 5, 1927, 'to

EMIL J. CARROLL.

iiection ot the line 26, claim 6, after the word "means" insert the words "controlling saidcover opening means"; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with this correction therein that the name may conform to the record of the one in the Patent Office. i

Signed and it is hereby certified that error appears in the printed epeci celled this 19th day of August, A. D. 1927.

M. J. Moore,

Seal. Acting Commissioner of Pntento.

for stopping the basket after a predeterthe cover to its e next operation, for producing operation at any time during said period of said basket stopping and cover opening means.

guard therefor having means rendered P sition for maintaining it in said posi- IlS adapted at the conclusion of the extracting period to first retard rotation of the basket and cause the guard to move In testimony whereof I hereby alfix my CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent No. 1,634,452. Granted July 5, 1927, to

EMlL .l. CARROLL.

It ie hereby certified that error appears in the printed specificltlon ot the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 4, line 26, claim 6, after the word "means" insert the words "controlling saidcover opening means"; and that the eaid Letters Patent ehould be reed with this correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the cue in the Patent Office.

Signed and eealed this 19th day of Angust, A. D. 1927.

M. J. Moore,

Sell. Acting Commieeioner of Peteate. 

